Lil Nas X and Cardi B Sued for Copyright Infringement over "Rodeo"
Allegedly derivative of another song produced in 2017.
Musicians Lil Nas X and Cardi B has been hit with a copyright infringement for “Rodeo,” a track released earlier this year. Among the defendants are also Take a Daytrip and Sony Music Entertainment.
The suit was filed by producer duo Don Lee and Glen Keith DeMeritt III, who claim that “Rodeo” was substantially similar to a recording the two produced back in 2017 titled “gwenXdonlee4-142,” which was eventually used in the song “Broad Day” by artists PuertoReefa and Sakrite Duexe. According to the suit, the song was “performed, published, and distributed widely, including without limitation in and around the Atlanta hip-hop scene.”
“Rodeo” was subsequently released on Lil Nas X’s 7EP this year, and the plaintiffs now allege that the artist and his collaborators “did not receive permission from Plaintiffs to interpolate, sample, use, or copy the Work.” Moreover, they claim the musicians “created an unauthorized copy and/or derivative work from Plaintiff’s original material.” Specifically, the suit alleges that both “Broad Day” and “Rodeo” are structured with a 4-measure phrase with the chord progression E, F, G, F, E, while using similar instruments and drumbeats.
We’ve attached both songs down below, so you can check it out for yourself. For now, Lil Nas X and Cardi B has yet to make any official statement, so stay tuned as the story develops.
Elsewhere in music, check out Fredo Bang’s first single and video for “Face Down.”
